General: West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus) are large, aquatic, ungainly creatures often referred to as "sea cows" that look more like whales then terrestrial mammals. Manatees are cylinder-shaped with a broad, rounded tail flipper and large pectoral fins. The nostrils are on the top of the nose. The color is gray or brown, and the hairs are stout, short, and sparse.

Manatees are found in warm, fresh and salt waters along the east coast of North America, the Caribbean, and coastal areas of Central and South America where they feed on vegetation.

Like all other mammals, manatees give birth of live, air-breathing young that are then suckled and cared for over several year.

Taxonomy: Class: Mammalia, Order: Sirenia, Family: Trichechidae.

Notice scars from boat propellers

Notice scars from boat propellers

Manatees at swimming beach (Wakulla Springs, FL)

Manatee at swimming beach (Wakulla Springs, FL)

Manatees at swimming beach (Wakulla Springs, FL)

Manatees with floating GPS satellite trackers

Manatees with floating GPS satellite trackers

Manatees with floating GPS satellite trackers

Fish eating algae from skin of manatee

Fish eating algae from skin of manatee

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.; Last updated 121105